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Granite Surface Plate Calibration and lapping - updated Docs

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.AMC.ACC.ACC-CTRS.ACC RI.W6QK ACC-RI · Response deadline: Mon, 09 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Army Contracting Command-Rock Island (ACC-RI) is seeking a contractor for granite surface plate calibration and lapping services. Surface plates are precision flat reference tools used in metrology and manufacturing quality control to verify the flatness of other surfaces. Calibration ensures these plates maintain tolerances specified by national standards (such as ASME B89.3.7), while lapping restores worn plates to required flatness through abrasive machining.

Work under this contract will take place at Rock Island, Illinois. For specific quantities, frequency of service, plate sizes, or performance specifications, see the solicitation.

Key facts

Who can bid

This is an unrestricted procurement—no small business set-aside applies. Any qualified offeror, including small businesses, other-than-small businesses, and nontraditional contractors, may submit a bid.

Despite being unrestricted, small businesses may still find opportunity here. NAICS 541380 (Testing Laboratories) carries a size standard of $19 million in average annual receipts, which is relatively generous for specialty calibration work. If your business falls under this threshold, you qualify as small under SBA rules.

Relevant experience to highlight includes:

• Dimensional metrology and surface plate calibration to military, ASME, or NIST-traceable standards
• On-site lapping and resurfacing capabilities
• Previous government or defense industrial base work

How to put together a competitive bid

For precision metrology services, agencies evaluate technical capability, price, and past performance. Structure your proposal to address:

Technical approach. Explain your measurement methodology, equipment specifications (interferometers, electronic levels, repeat-o-meters), and uncertainty budgets. Describe your lapping process and how you achieve specified flatness grades. If you hold ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for dimensional calibration, feature this prominently.

Quality assurance. Detail your calibration certificate content, traceability chains to NIST or equivalent national standards, and handling procedures to prevent damage during transport or service. Address turnaround times and containment plans if plates fail calibration.

Personnel qualifications. List technicians' certifications (ASQ CQT, state-level licenses, manufacturer training) and experience with large granite plates common in Army maintenance operations.

Past performance. Provide at least three relevant contracts from the past three years, ideally with DOD or aerospace customers. Include contactable references who can speak to your responsiveness and precision.

Price competitiveness. For unrestricted buys, price carries significant weight. Analyze your fully burdened labor rates, material costs for lapping compounds, and any travel requirements for on-site work at Rock Island Arsenal. Consider whether subcontracting elements improves competitiveness.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov by searching solicitation number W519TC27QA007 or the title "Granite Surface Plate Calibration and lapping."
2. Download all attachments, including the updated documents referenced in the title, and verify any amendments issued after the October 20, 2026 posting date.
3. Note the deadline: November 9, 2026, 10:00 AM CT—allow buffer time for SAM.gov registration, technical proposal preparation, and submission system verification if you are not a registered user.
4. Assess teaming needs. If you lack lapping capabilities or local presence, consider subcontractor arrangements, bearing in mind FAR limitations on pass-through charges.

For evaluation criteria, specific performance requirements, and any conflict of interest provisions, see the solicitation.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →